Save Article

Successful Rescue of Filipino Hostages
Puts Army in a More Favorable Light

By

James Hookway Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal

Updated Oct. 3, 2000 2:03 a.m. ET

MANILA, The Philippines -- The Philippine army rescued 12 Filipino evangelists held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf group for three months, at least partially rewarding the military's controversial attack on the kidnappers' base on the southern island of Jolo.

The Abu Sayyaf, a contingent of self-styled Islamic holy warriors, still hold an American, a Filipino and three Malaysians captive.